Choosing the best sleeping bag and blanket when it comes
surviving out in the cold or the possibility of getting wet under cold
conditions, is something to keep in mind. In a survival situation
you would want a blanket or sleeping bag that would keep you warm, but
also warm if it was wet. You might not be in a situation that that would
be a concern so a lighter weight sleeping bag that is comfortable could
keep you very warm.
Wool Blankets
The advantages of having wool blankets is they will keep you warm if they
are wet.
Wool Blankets
are
usually quite durable, long lasting, and cost much less than your quality
expensive sleeping bags. The fiber in them
are flexible in strength
which allows wool blankets to keep their softness and shape and can last
a life time of use. 100% wool blankets are flame resistant having a
naturally moister contents to them which makes them noncombustible
and quite safe for that reason. It's good to have some these for
your family at home for emergencies even if you don't use them in the
mean time. These Army blankets have been found online for as low as
$7.00 up to $30.00 each. A side note for cleaning wool blankets is to only
do it when necessary of either washing or dry cleaning them. In
most cases just a good shake with a little fresh air and sun will do the
job.
Sleeping Bags
|
Sleeping bags varies from the simplest; giving the lowest temperature at
which the bag should keep you warm, to more advanced sleeping bags that
provide warmth and comfort even in extreme temperatures.
There are variety of sleeping bags that adapt to varying temperatures.
Ranges include down and synthetic sleeping bags, along with sleeping bags
that have an integrated sleeping mat. If having to travel light there are
comprehensive range of lightweight, insulated and breathable sleeping
bags that pack down super small and weigh a minimal amount. Here are a
couple of different types of insulation for sleeping bags.
|
|
-
3M Thinsulate lite Loft sleeping bags are light
and compact and less bulky than other sleeping bags with the same
temperature ratings up to 25% lighter.
-
PolarguardŽ HV: This is the latest
version of the unique material that made the original PolarguardŽ a
legend for durability and ease of care. Hollow fibers and changes in the
stabilization process increase warmth by about
25% and improve softness and compressibility.
-
Dupoint
Certified HollofilŽ: The standard synthetic fill for good
quality, moderately priced bags. It is
soft, comfortable, inexpensive and
compresses well. Its four chamber hollow fibers give it more
warmth for weight than solid filament fills and durability is excellent.
It might be good to have to have a back pack with a sleeping bag tied on
ready to go if needed. The back pack could have all your supplies
for a few days, and of course a sleeping bag would be necessary for an
excursion of sort.
Cotton Blankets
Cotton blankets are not recommended in most cases being that they are
more of a summer blanket. They
are breathable but very absorbent, meaning if they got wet, they would
not keep you warm and will shrink. Cotton
Blankets are long lasting
though being that they will not pill or shed. When cleaning them,
avoid washing in warm or hot water, cold is much better on gentle cycle.
Machine drying is recommended than air drying, helping it preserve it
shape and keeping it from shrinking. If you have them they would
probably be better than not have any blankets at all.
Emergency Blankets
If having to be on the run there are the
emergency blankets
that are light, very affordable and have a few
different styles to choose from. These can be
thrown into your 72 hour kits or emergency back packs and will work well
for the emergencies on the run.
